Seahawks Notebook: Rams have quality at the corners

St. Louis Rams defensive back Cortland Finnegan (31) celebrates his interception and 31-yard return for a touchdown with coach Jeff Fisher in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

While Seahawks corner backs Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman have earned a reputation for being hard-nosed, the St. Louis Rams have two guys in Cortland Finnegan and rookie Janoris Jenkins that should provide a tough challenge for Seattle's receivers.

Finnegan, a seven-year veteran, signed with St. Louis in free agency, where he teamed up again with his former coach at Tennessee, first-year Rams head man Jeff Fisher.

At 5-foot-10 and 188 pounds, Finnegan is known for his competitive nature and feistiness, and isn't shy about talking trash with receivers.

Finnegan can also play, evidenced by his three interceptions ? including one for a touchdown ? good enough for a tie for second in the league.

"You've got to be physical with him for the whole game, because that's exactly what he's going to do," Seattle receiver Sidney Rice said. "He has a nose for the ball. He competes every game on film, so we have to bring our 'A' game as receivers."

Added Seahawks defensive lineman Jason Jones, who played with Finnegan for four years in Tennessee: "You want him on your team on the football field, because the way he plays with that feistiness, he definitely knows how to get under your skin, do little things and talk to you. He's definitely going to talk to you."

On the other side for St. Louis is Jenkins, one of the best cover corners in this year's draft. He fell down the board because of off-the-field issues. Jenkins started his college career at the University of Florida, but had to transfer to North Alabama after failing two drug tests.

The Rams took a risk and selected Jenkins in the second round (No. 39 overall), and so far it's paid off.

At 5-10 and 193 pounds, Jenkins has 17 tackles and an interception.

"He's a pretty good rookie from what I've seen on film," Rice said. "He's quick getting in and out of his breaks and things like that."

The Rams' cornerback tandem helped the Rams hold opponents to just two passing touchdowns, tied for first in the league.

St. Louis faces a Seattle offense that is last in the league in passing, averaging just 127.7 yards per game. The Seahawks have only six passing plays of 20 or more yards, second-worst in the league.

Seattle has thrown the ball an average of 25 times a contest, the least amount of times in the NFL.

Rice, who leads the team with eight catches for 91 yards and a score, says he's not frustrated with the lack of targets

"It's the way our game plan is right now," Rice said. "We're winning, so you can't say too much about it. As long as we're getting those Ws in the win column, it doesn't matter where the pass game is. It's a team sport, definitely. And right now our running game is working really well."

Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said blame him for Seattle's conservative play calling. The Seahawks are averaging 141.6 rushing yards a contest, sixth overall in the NFL.

"I really think this is me holding the lid on it right now," Carroll said. "And I'm overseeing all of that, and making sure that what's more important to us is that we take care of the football ? more than anything. I don't care about the yards.

"And the thing that we're concerned about is we've got to convert on third downs. We did a poor job on third down, particularly in the second half (against Green Bay). And we have to get better there. But as it fits together, we're growing."

Also

Starting right tackle Breno Giacomini and right guard John Moffitt did not practice for a second straight day. Giacomini is out with a pectoral issue, while Moffitt has an injured knee. Frank Omiyale would be the likely replacement for Giacomini, while Paul McQuistan or J.R. Sweezy could slide in at right guard. Second-year pro James Carpenter is slated to see his first playing time this season at left guard if he makes it through this week's practice healthy. Linebacker Leroy Hill (calf) and defensive tackle Jason Jones (knee) also did not practice on Thursday. Rookie defensive tackle Greg Scruggs was a limited participant in practice after sitting out of Wednesday's practice with a wrist injury. And fellow rookie defensive lineman Jaye Howard also was a limited participant with a foot injury. Receiver Doug Baldwin (shoulder) and cornerback Byron Maxwell (hamstring) were full participants for a second straight day. ... The Seahawks made a couple roster moves, adding running back Lonyae Miller and bringing back offensive guard Rishaw Johnson to the practice squad. To make room for those two, Seattle let go of tight end Sean McGrath and placed linebacker Korey Toomer on the injured reserve list. Toomer's injury was not announced.